I'd like to mention a couple things.
I searched through the mailing list (~6mo of recent history), not sure if there are any other ways to contribute to the Cal OSGeo Chapter, besides this push for the AGS/CGS - I imagine some sort of 'todo list' would be posted on the wiki http://wiki.osgeo.org/wiki/California ?
Also, speaking of the CGS (The California Geography Society) annual conference 2009, I noticed it was in Santa Ynez this year. I think it would be appropriate to suggest a Central Coast Sub-Chapter for the California OSGeo Chapter. This chapter could potentially range from Monterrey (or San Luis Obispo) to Santa Barbara / Ventura - may be a bit large I realize.
I already know some fellow OSGeo Central Coasters + there are some significant universities in the area which may potentially contribute to the cause. Feedback please! Cheers*joe